CMS finalizes ACA 'physician sunshine' rule

AHA News NowFeb 4, 2013

A final rule issued Friday by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires makers of drugs, devices, biological and medical supplies covered by Medicare, Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program to report payments or other transfers of value made to physicians and teaching hospitals. The rule also requires manufacturers and group purchasing organizations to disclose physician ownership or investment interests. The rule implements a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act intended to help reduce the potential for conflicts of interest. Applicable manufacturers and GPOs will report data to CMS for August through December 2013 by March 31, 2014. Organizations and physicians will be able to review and correct the data before it's published on a public website by Sept. 30, 2014, CMS said. The agency is developing an electronic system to facilitate the reporting process.